Extending the lifetime of diseased and sick bodies

Strong words, these. But when Baba Ramdev’s associate says that ‘modern medicine has perfected the art of adding years to a diseased body“, he is right. Modern medicine has no cure to even simple diseases of the body such as Blood Pressure; it just suppresses the symptoms, and elongates life. There is no improvement in the quality of life of person that this form of medicine offers. My father-in-law and my grandfather, as is the case with most of the old people living in cities, went through torturous last years in-and-out of hospitals ever few weeks/months.

Actually, modern medicine is a problem itself – part of a larger systemic problem – one which treats every thing we see as distinct pieces, inter-dependent as they may be, but certainly not integrated and closely-knit with each other. They even think of a disease in the body as that of the back, or the heart, or the kidneys. They fail to see a “whole” – a system, where the affect of a problem with one may show up elsewhere. They fail to look at the human body wholistic-ally or rather ‘holistically‘.

Traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Chinese systems of Accupressure and Accupunture, Foot Reflexology, and many such others, look at the human body as one integrated being. In their medicines, Thyroid imbalance could be deeply linked with the cleanliness of the intestines, just to take an example.

Old age – a wonderful time to give back

I just spoke candidly to my mom about this. Candidly. I told her exactly what i have been hinting at for years – that life in this city is going to inevitably break down her body in nasty ways.

But my message was not to remind her about how scary old age can be. It was to remind her to spend the rest of 15-20 years of her life, maybe more, contributing back to society.

For over a year or so, since i found two wonderful partners in Dharamshala with whom i setup Srijan Dharamshala, i’ve been gently yet consistently hinting at her considering moving there. Dharamshala, is a beautiful small town which has a certain wonderful energy about the whole place, specifically all around the core-city-center. Khaniyara, the region around Gyotu Monastery, the area around the Palampur road — all have a deeply calming energy and serene beauty, in spite of fairly large populations and construction.

This spiritual atmosphere combined with the clean air and water, by default add quite a few “healthy” years to life. And as importantly, this environment reminds us Indians of the age-old tradition of “vanprastha” – moving away to live in forests. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains – householders – have practiced and nurtured this tradition for thousands of years.

But the spirit of Vanprastha ashram is about “receding from the intensity life”, and not necessarily receding to forests (there are hardly any forests left to withdraw to, anyway). The beauty of the Hindu tradition is that nothing is set in stone or written in one book – which then becomes law – forever, and all times to come. Practices in this tradition change and adapt with time and region.

A model to urbanise villages, and humanise cities

I believe it is time to revive the vanprastha tradition in its spirit. It is time we create a movement to get our well-off people move from our over-burdend megalopolis‘ to tier-3 towns and villages in India.

Most of these people, such as my own parents, have enough money to sustain themselves “well” through the next 20-25 or even more years of their lives. By joining the “new vanprastha” movement they would not only create a much better quality of life for themselves, in the years they need it most, but they would add tremendously to uplifting rural economies and bring equity and parity across the nation. This would do so directly by making available money, talents and time, and indirectly by bringing a host of businesses and services seeking their money – such as doctors, hospitals – to the people of the region they adopt.

I also believe the burden on cities caused by population would reduce de-stressing the whole ecosystem.

Unethical and irresponsible?

I do realise the sensitivity this topic raises. Today’s issue on Satyamev Jayate was about children abandoning their parents in old age – in times when their support is required the most.

Clearly, it is unethical and irresponsible to leave our parents to fend for themselves when they are old and need a support system the most during these vulnerable years of life.

But i do want to put across the point that a lot of the vulnerability is also a result of dragging on our lives aimlessly and without purpose.

The moment we add a spiritual or social purpose to our lives, things take a new shape and meaning. Our ability to cope with change would be much stronger. Our energy and determination higher. And i believe circumstances manifest which help us create support structures for fulfilling this new purpose.

After all we all will die. We all have to learn to detach and move on – at every step in life. Why not during the early-old-age years when we are still healthy and can actually do something for ourselves to stay that way for the remaining years of our lives?

We got to choose if we will die a life of dignity and with grace or die shuttling between hospitals and home in our insane cities, with an insane quality of life for ourselves and even the children we as a society and tradition expect the support from.

I certainly will not expect my son to take care of me. I will recede, to find another life of service and spiritual pursuit, in another place where i could die in dignity and die “consumed by life”.

Although this topic is controversial as you say but it still holds a valid point one has to think about.. I have to agree that you make you think about my parents future for now.. definitely a thought provoking one..

Although this topic is controversial as you say but it still holds a valid point one has to think about.. I have to agree that you make you think about my parents future for now.. definitely a thought provoking one…

Loved every part of this article…. even if we can follow with our parents… we can definately make trends for our next generation by following it ourself… And i too love dharanshalla especially Mc Leaodganj… go there every year for 2 weeks in JUNE end…

Priya: many years back i had learnt meditation at a Jain centre — Adhyatma Sadhna Kendra. A key component of the practice was self-affirmations. One of these was “main akela hoon” (I am alone).

Beyond a point in life attachment with the things around us, relationships, and even our loved ones has to reduce consistently.

I would highly recommend that you read a book called “Road Less Travelled” by Scott M Peck: http://www.flipkart.com/road-less-travelled-new-ed/p/itmczypffyv63yg2. The author, a leading psychiatrist in US, explores “Love” — and that it is not a feeling, but a set of actions consistent with what is good for the object of a loving feeling. I feel you might find insights into what i am saying in this article.

And really at a simpler level, people in the West also have parents who they love. No matter how badly we Indians might judge their value systems, parents live alone and independent of their children.

And, even in Indian philosophy, there is a saying — “ek ghar mein ek baap rehta hai” (only one father lives in one home). I cannot cite this, but have heard from someone.

Rahul…I completely agree your view point. What you are saying is that parents should be independent for as long as possible physically. Moving out of the urban areas is not only beneficial to elderly people, but also their children as well, if they can stay together(we should stay together). There is no need to react to this emotionally as you are suggesting a very practical solution for the benefit of all. Being together for as long as possible!! Some people fail to get the view point….I also agree that attachment has to reduce as we progress in life.

Im afraid that city bred old people might turn those calm villages also into cities… buzzing and overpopulated bcos of the economic wellbeing they carry along with them…..making those quaint villages into a buzzing economic hub. cos poor people tend to migrate to places where opportunities are good. when old people move to villages, they will not stay in an average village house. Real estate will start booming in that area. Hospitals will come up on agricultural land. and then restaurants. and there you have it. the problem follows.
Srirangam is a live example of this phenomenon. All the iyengar parents wanted to settle in the calm township of sri rangam and go to temple everyday. But how could their sons and daughters earning in USA let them live in a 50 year old pretectionless house. They had to live in swanky 1000 sq.ft apartment minimum. HEnce real estate there is booming like crazy. There are no offices or IT Parks there but still apartments are very costly there. Why ? because elders moved in.!!!

Ideal would be to move in to a village and not cause any new construction. Just repair some old house and live there. Also , if people choose to move to different villages and not one village (like sri rangam) then it is good.

Having said that, this move will certainly reduce the load on cities and aged people would love to live in the company of people of their age , speed, and agenda in such idyllic villages.

This is an amazing blog post. Although its hard to explain your parents the right intention behind asking them to do so but I am sure if they understand, life would be much better for everyone. We are all stuck in the same loop of earning and living for others. Starting from parents to wife to kids and it goes on because we expect the same from our kids.
Cheers to the wonderful articulation!

Thank you very much Vaibhav for the appreciation. I actually, a little sheepishly, made my mother read this article.

She actually got a little grim, or thoughtful, said, “theek bol raha hai tu!” (you are right!). Obviously i was relieved that she has not judged me. You might want to test it out with your parents and see what they have to say. It feels difficult, but then love is not about not offering a challenging (or in other words love is not about saying the things people want to hear, even if we realise it is not good for them).

Let me know if you choose to have your parents read this; and also what they felt.

completely agree each and every word in this article. even I have planned to do the same when i get retired. I may propose this to my parents too but leave the choice entirely on them. I want to give back my talents and efforts to my village to improve their day to day productivity and educate and groom poor kids.

Hi! great thought! But if its meaning and purpose that life seeks….then why realise them at the age of our parents? They are already tired and burdened from all the toil and hardwork they did to raise us. It is easy to advice to those who have seen life in its entirety. While its a great idea to return to Hinduism’s Vanaprastha…..why not adopt vanaprastha as a young and energetic youth….only this time the tier two and three city becomes our gurukul and karmabhoomi…..expecting change from worn out weaker sections of society is cruel. Old age is the return of childhood…..would you ask a child to give back to parents because they were up all night caring for it…..?This is absurd.
Agreed, they have much energy to serve more, but it is totally their wish. Practicalities of dependable health care facilities are a fact of life..and these are definitely better off in cities… Systemic thinking overrides romantic views of the quiet sleepy town and rural development. Systemic thinking says…Indian healthcare system has many gaps in the primary and secondary level. Indian agricultural industry is ruled by chemical giants and genetically modified seeds…that are destroying the notion of having fresh farm grown healthy food.
Amidst all this mess, old people have to deal with poor government administrators even in small towns. Let alone bringing change and service. These are challenges the youth must tackle instead of resorting to cushy or stressful well paying city jobs. Rural development cant be shouldered on the retreating retired community of senior citizens. While the post had a good romantic thought in it, ground realities say its not a quality of life for the old that we need to arrange for, but one for ourselves. After all one day we too will grow old and unwilling to pursue any more struggle to change.

Chitra: you are absolutely right. My Guru, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation, says “Spirituality is for the spirited” — which has connotations that most people choose spirituality when their spirits (and bodies) have taken a beating in the world. On the contrary it is meant to be for people young in spirit and bodies.

In my article, i am not contending the fact that young Indians need to move increasingly to villages, and in Dr. Kalam’s vision, help urbanize them a bit (while ruralizing — or making them smaller — the cities in the process). Gandhi argues for a slow life beautifully in his book “Hind Swaraj”.

The choice between young adults and the old is not an either/or one. The purpose of my post is around what the old could do (and not that the young should not).

First let’s explore who “old” are. I am not suggesting that people start moving when their bodies are broken and dying. I am suggesting that they move when the bodies are showing the first signs of ageing. My guess is somewhere between 55-65 is a good range of age to move. One still has a good 20-30 years ahead of them at this age — and access to retirement money and most most importantly — the wealth of “time” (which the young might not have while just beginning with their lives, and all the aspirations they carry). And if one has not abused the body and event aken moderate care of it, one has a fairly healthy body.

Next, my argument is that if the people age any further than this age in cities, the pathetic quality of air and life, leads to speeding up of disease setting in the body and mind. And dependence on hospitals is a natural outcome of this. All the money earned for retirement through life is “wasted” on Fortis’ and Max like five-star hospital chains. What’s the point of spending such 20-30 years and wasting the wealth of time?

My argument is that disease-setting would most certainly get delayed with a move to villages – with the better quality of air/water/food and in general a slower lifestyle.

And to top it up, with the wealth of time and money, one could find a “deeper purpose” of life. Perhaps build new interests such as writing, farming, teaching, and so on. Giving back would then become a natural process.

And finally when it is time to leave the body, it could all be more graceful than spending weeks on the ventilator and dying amidst doctors pumping ones heart to make them revive.

Hi Rahul – I think this is a great post and it definitely highlights a way of life for the elderly that is both purposeful, and healthy.

It is clear that modern life is causing people to live unhealthily. My great-grandfather was gardening and taking walks, then he got really sick suddenly, and passed away a week later. Another elder who passed was swimming a week before he passed. So this get up-watch tv-pop pills-pass time aimlessly existence is sad, unless of course someone really likes it. It is much better to live in cooler climes, and among caring support systems, where one is happy and contributing (even if through lessons of life to the young).

BTW – Ashiana has amazing homes in Bhiwadi specifically for the elderly, that people are really liking. The concept is one of “assisted-living”.

I love the idea. We’ll be doing our parents an absolute favor, and it has got nothing to do with us being around for them and taking care of them.

I used to live with my parents till a year ago, but now live closer to office, in the same city. Either ways I was unable to give any time to them during the week. I realize its a mere psychological comfort to both parents and children that we are there for them; when the fact is we can do little for them due to our busy lives.

If this thought is ingrained in the mind of people at the right age, it is indeed a simple and realistic way to give some thing back to the society and have something fruitful to do in the old age. But for someone who has planned his / her entire life around the belief that there will be somebody (read “family”) to live with in the old age, it is being unfair to them. They would have planned everything about their old gae assuming this basic fact. Even if the current generation blames them for “assuming” such a big thing, it may not be a good idea to make the older generation “realize” the mistake at this age. Especially, the current ageing parent population, for whom the post liberalization world has given kids with these kind of ideas about freedom. These parents would never have thought about such ideas and now, when they may be totally NOT ready for living alone, it will be a difficult task to accomplish. We are children of a generation that enjoys its freedom … we are free to follow that path because that is a part of our life … but that was never the “planned” path for that generation. And even if this adjustment is just for their psychological fulfillment, a thought definitely needs to go in that direction.

Om Namo Narayana- Om Nama Shivaya
For elders interested in Vanaprasha.
Fan was comfortable in the past. Now is air conditioner is must. Hazards of using AC are little known. In next 5/8 years AC has to be use day in out, as global warming and volcanoes bursting. Prana (Oxygen) we breathe will be highly polluted to an extent that diabetics will be common and 80% humans with dialysis, apart from general viral diseases. People conscience about increased healthy life for the purpose of divines, can join to make a group to stay on hills amidst nature.

Animals/birds, rare their children to certain limit. After that, they chase away their children to search their own food and survive on their own. But we are much inferior though we have 6th sense.

Buddha left home, comforts, and family at middle age. Sri Adi Sankara left at childhood. Sandikeswarar left at teen age. So many are there as examples. But, we after 60 years Sadabisek and develop more attachment towards our family and wait for Beema Ratha Santhi. But, never the less we increase Bakthi on GOD. This is an opportunity.
Death & Birth are from unknown times, but the purpose of life is not known each time one is born. Until one gets Gyana (Knowledge), we never realize, how stupid we were over thousands of births. Between the time span of death and rebirth, a Jeeva gets the gift of Gyana of past, present and how to get Mukthi/Moksha. That is why Human birth is considered most precious. If not usefully spent in attaining Gyana then that soul travels between 13 worlds and this earth each time and never reach abode of God. On this earth one gets Pancha Bhootha body. So also one gets different body in those 13 worlds, with the matter & material available there. If, one reads Srimath Bagavath, a clear description is there of Vaikunt where Nithiya Suryas, Virja River, one gets non perishable body Etc. A sculpture picture depicting Vaikunt is there in Sri Guruvayur Temple. During life span with this body, if the person does not gain Gyana, then he realizes that his life on this earth was colossal waste. Numerous times we are with parents, wife/husband, and children. But little we know that a life of bliss in eternity is waiting for us. All this knowledge can be had from, UPANASHIDS, Vedas, scripts, songs, Mantras, saint teachings, poems of Alwars, Nayanmars in detail with wonderful explanations and examples of actual persons who lived. These are in English, Telugu, Tamil video and audio formats.
Jada Bharatha in Srimath Bagavath with a desire (Not Bad Desire) of rearing a deer was born as Deer. Durva was Bhramin in earlier birth. Since he had desire of wealth and riches, he was born a child of a king. To day we see the stars Durva and Arundhathi as an example of living most pious, dharmic, spiritual life.
Mostly we do think, that now we are comfortable and well and die peacefully. Little we know that comforts are salary of Puniyas and our sufferings are salaries of sins. Once comforts or sufferings are paid off, the Athuman (Soul) departs, leaving the body. Next birth can be in Africa, Orrisa or worm in dust bin says, Sri Adi Sankara. We plan for this temporary stay on this earth wisely, but not for permanent Sach- Chit- Aanandham.
To attain Moksha from birth-death cycle it is NOT difficult. Authentic scripts say, in Kaliyug, only listening scripts, puranas, Sadana Bakthi, Vivekachudami- Mansa Panchakam- many more, upanashids, saints life histories and their teachings, Alwars & Nayanmars poems, ultimately tuning the mind to GOD, and becoming a Baktha is enough. Once true Bakthi stage is attained, God turns towards HIS Bakthas.
Generally many saints went to solitude amidst nature to practice meditation and Bakthi. Scripts also recommend greenery, clean rich oxygen, and pure herbal water and Zero pollution. When one sits in Padmasanam amidst nature, his 27000 nerves gets into his control. Drinking water by right hand is healthy, as body magnetism from left vertebra should go to right hand. Sitting and having food on ground with a mat eliminates Diabetics. So is innumerable information.
No Guru. No trust. Only like minded elders who want life utilized utmost as per our age old scripts and guidance of great men.
Definition on Sat Guru said in Sastras- One who talks only about Athuman, does NOT have more than 3 set dresses, does NOT keep anything for next day, (Leave alone trust) -Sends away his disciple to practice Sadana taught, never gets angry Etc
A model of 650 Sq Ft cottage for each elder/couple with centralized kitchen is planned with Vedic food formats. Total care for elders in Yoga, health, teachings on living pattern. Rs 25 Lac deposit on ones own name, locking in for 5 years, and take back 5th year end. 100 % risk free. Continue if interested.

Potters Baktha Gora- Gora Kunma, Schedule caste Nayanar and Thirupan Alwar, cowherd boy Sandikeswarar, cobbler, gold maker, schedule tribe Kannapar, Pingala a prostitute, if all of them could get God’s blessings, why not we? The instrument here is unshakable faith. This faith can be got by practice, by meditation, by Sat Sangh, by Guru Kripa, Namasankreethan, yoga Etc. Among all these Sat Sangh is easy way says Bagavan in Geetha. A Rishi did 400 years of penance-Yoga Path, nothing happened. A lady Sakubai amidst very bad family situation got to see Bagavan Panduranga. Bakthi Path.
If we could get together, and total care taken by someone, we should be able to use our precious time in spiritual path, exercise to keep the body fit as a temple, calm the mind and tune towards divinity. What comes with us in the end, is the fruits of meditation, time spent in sat sang, bajans, Godly thought process on listening spiritual subjects will relieve us from birth and death cycle. Alternatively if Paapas ( Sins) done we are again in another womb. Nothing comes with us. Puniyas done by service to others, daana dharma, providing food and hospital help etc, it gives another birth as a wealthily person. But if we could gain knowledge how to go about in life, as preached by very great saints of the past, then we reach our destination mukthi.
Coming days is going to be erratic, diseases and dangers of Sun Storms, earth quakes, and heavy floods, disasters. These were predicted by saints, long ago. But scientist are discovering only today. Saints say, this is NOT to be feared, but to use this human birth in the right direction of divinity, ultimately to be out of cycle of births and deaths. One could wonder how a saint could communicate his experience in blissful life. Yes, they did and it is only our inability to have NOT studied them. Like in Vedas, it says, sit on a mat, laid on ground and take food and place water to your right side. This helps in NOT getting diabetic. If you read scripts then you aware of it. This awareness is called “GYANA”. Human body is a vital tool having discriminating power between life and death, good and bad, heaven and hell. We all will like heaven, but our behaviors are towards hell. Many seekers will be behind Guru, but they cannot be 100% sure that they will get liberated. Normally if one reads the life style of great Gurus, we can know that they after passing on knowledge (Gyana) to disciples, he is sent away.

The quality of life that one’s parents lived should be maintained or improved while taking the steps you suggest. They better not be sharing an apartment or room with someone else. If they lived with a independent house and a driven car, you better make sure you maintain that while giving back to society.

Yeah very thought provoking and perfectly sensible. Unfortunately, my mom is diagnosed with Parkinson’s plus rendering her motor abilities almost zero since 2.5 yrs. She is single (as i lost my father at young age) and am taking care of her. It’s really hard given that i have twin boys ( 3yrs). In an ideal scenario where the couple is there for each other or even if single and they understand the current crazy/so called modern world scenario, vanaprasta concept would make the cities and our stupid urbane lives less tense. Becoz, for sure, we are always concerned about our parents welfare along with regular baggage (wife/job/kids :-)) and forget to lead normal lives with enthusiasm. We try to find that elusive happiness in materialism than in spiritualism. We got to find ways of breaking out of the vicious cycle. Can we, is the big question ?

Not to belittle your thoughts, the concept of vanaprasta was conceived in the ancient India
and this exactly was the philosophy. Truly, the imperial rule trampled everything

Hello Shankar: parents going through this themselves during their old age, and the repercussions on a family just starting out, is exactly the kind of scenario that needs to be avoided. “Life is difficult”, says leading psychiatrist Scott M. Peck in his iconic book “Road Less Travelled“. Some of us in the current generations must resolve to take the route of “gramprastha” to ensure a healthier life and old age for ourselves, and a life of greater freedom for the next emerging family beyond us. Having said this, i am aware of the blessing of healthy grand-parents for their grand-children. For this reason, i think a “gram-prastha” (move to villages) than a “van-prastha” (becoming a recluse and cutting-off from family-life) is a better option in our times.

And i’ve drawn everything from the Indian-way-of-life for this article. I make no claim to get credit for these ideas being “my original”.

Great Article! Remembered my childhood days when I used to spend my school vacation with my grandparents at a village among the paddy fields.Wonderful days packaged with love, affection, etc., etc.,…Sadly, Our children have limited exposure to that luxury..AC cars, Elevators, Malls…AC homes etc., I honestly prefer my parents to have a healthy life in a village ..spend their life quietly and while away their time talking to their neighbours…Thats the fun part they enjoy a lot….AND if they wish they can attach a social cause to their final phase of life…

Lastly, I have to say that if parents live in a village where they were born they feel more confindent and stronger. Because, thats where they gain strengths from…I have experienced it…

This article also made create a “Stop doing list” !!! Thank you very much!

I have long advocated this to my folks,now retired and living in Delhi to move away to the climes of the Blue Mountains where the air,water quality and quantity is not just in abundance but coupled with low to no crime and the ability to live in a self -sustaining environment,growing your own veggies,making your lives fruitful etc.Unfortunately,it has fallen on deaf ears.They tend to cling onto the city(now they’re not even in Delhi but a suburb) claiming it as “their base!!”.That and petty family issues which should be of lesser concern to them tend to blind them to an existence in futility.

Sadly,our country cannot brag of a social security system wherein our taxes can pave the road to a life of dignity post 60.A young married couple saddled with home loan mortgages,not to mention other sundry loans,expenses,children’s tuition,savings for their children’s college education in terms of loans,savings for their retirement will have their aged folks’ medical expenses to bear in addition.

Very succinctly put,this article in now way suggests the abandonment of parents.It actually does the opposite of giving them a new meaning to life;their lives being enriched further .I only wish them to stop and smell the flowers on the way to the next dimension and not remain coupled to earthly worries.

Amazing article and great initiative. Fortunately My parents still lives in village in mountains and enjoying
retired life. I feel, Govt apathy, lack of basic amenities and job prospects forced many people like me to migrate from villages.
Hope someday I too get courage to move back to my village and give back to society.

About this blog

This blog title has been inspired by the essay titled "Dance of Shiva" by physicist Dr. Fritjof Capra, where he talks about the constant creation and destruction of particles and relates this to the cosmic dance of Shiva as Nataraja.

Meanwhile, i am the founder of Srijan Technologies, the leading Drupal company in India. The views expressed in this blog are purely mine, and do not reflect the larger opinion of the business i run. Do remember i am a human being and not a business-being, and therefore have emotional, social and political viewpoints which can be counter-productive to my business. I hope the readers, if they are my clients, can maintain the distinction between who i am as a human being, and Srijan as a business which serves them.

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